A Brief History of Women in the World of Scuba Diving

Like many sports, the world of scuba diving has been primarily made up of men for the longest time. Today, however, the scuba diving industry is proud to be a top sport of choice for women around the globe. From underwater photographers to marine experts to professional or competition divers, you are bound to run into women from all walks of life and all fields of work at diving facilities and partaking in open water adventures. The truth is that scuba diving is no longer just a man’s sport; it’s going strong as a sport for daring women seeking water adventures and new experiences.

Women and scuba diving go together well. Read on for some must-know information about women in the history of scuba diving!

Fearless women pushing boundaries

Sure, diving can be dangerous, but that doesn’t mean it’s just for brave men. In recent years, fearless women have taken the plunge into the waters, playing host to varying degrees of danger only to come out exhilarated and ready to tell stories of the adventures they had. Women divers have even started women-only dive clubs to help encourage others to join and to foster each other’s abilities.

Women Divers Hall of Fame

Women have not always been taken seriously in the diving world. In fact, their swimming and diving abilities were (and in some places, still are) doubted simply because of their sex. But throughout history, women have prevailed, and there’s the Women Divers Hall of Fame to prove that. The organization recognizes women divers who’ve made exceptional contributions to the further understanding and enjoyment of diving.

A few notable women in diving

Dottie Frazier has claim to many firsts for women in the scuba diving world. She is known as the first female to become a scuba instructor, dive shop owner and hard-hat diver. She also manufactured wetsuits for both the Navy and recreational divers.

Simone Melchior Cousteau’s family played a huge role in the invention of the aqualung. They also contributed a great deal of money to the exploration vessel Calypso, where, aboard the ship,

Simone Cousteau took on the job of psychiatrist, nurse and whale watcher.

Dr. Sylvia Earle is known as an icon to divers everywhere. She was the first female Chief Scientist for NOAA, a trailblazer in the development of deep-sea submersibles and the leader of the Tektite II submersible in 1970.

An event to celebrate women divers

On July 15, 2017, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., you’re invited to join other women divers for Women Divers Day at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, MA! Tickets include barbecue and a t-shirt, and there will also be raffle prizes. All proceeds will benefit the Women Divers Hall of Fame’s scholarship and training grant program. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/WomenDiversDay.

Scuba diving is one of the most exciting and stimulating activities on the planet. Luckily, Northeast Scuba has been around since 1996 providing professional instruction to those wanting to acquire diving skills. If you are contemplating signing up for diving lessons but would like to talk to an expert first, we hope you’ll give us a call!